The Tempest Playbill

Shoreline Arts Alliance

presents

THE TEMPEST

Directed by Emily Mattina

Welcome to Shoreline Arts Alliance’s Shakespeare on the Shoreline!

Thanks to you, we are celebrating our 16th season of bringing theatre ‘under the stars’ to the beautiful and historic Guilford Green. At the core of our Shakespeare on the Shoreline program is the belief that theatre should be accessible to everyone, whether participating as an actor or sitting back and enjoying the show as audience. This community event is open to all regardless of past theatre experience or economic background. Furthermore, we have added accessibility features to these performances to reach an even broader demographic. Several performances include an American Sign Language Interpreter (August 2, 3 and 5) and all performances will provide: Braille and large print programs, Assisted Listening Devices, volunteer escorts for those in need of assistance getting on and off the Green, and increased lighting for safe exiting of the Green. There will be a sign interpreter for the August 3rd and 5th performances.

Since 2002 we have produced many of Shakespeare’s plays: tragedies, histories, and comedies as well as other literary classics. These family-friendly performances have been FREE to attend since that first year. According to the Wall Street Journal, “Shakespeare on the Shoreline is the most popular and well recognized cultural mainstay of the community, drawing crowds from all over the area with its engaging, entertaining and educational performances.” We have come to question the ability to continue to present this opportunity. Though their commitment is unwavering, several of our funding agencies who have carried the financial load throughout the years are unable to moving forward.

We are so grateful Guilford Foundation has given us a special grant this year to aid in addressing the shift in funding this Shoreline mainstay. I ask you to consider a gift today to demonstrate your belief in the necessity of continuing this FREE week of theatre under the stars. Should you and/or your business wish to join the team of dedicated backers of Shoreline Arts Alliance, I invite you to connect with me under the tent or at eric@shorelinearts.org.

And now ladies and gentleman, back by popular demand, Shakesperience Productions, Inc. of Waterbury, Connecticut. The beloved Dr. David Richman as Prospero, who you may recall was blinded since birth and commands the stage like no other. Our Rising Stars Artists performing the Prologue. And so many more in Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

Thanks for joining us and enjoy the show!

Directors Note:
Good evening,
Our play opens in the midst of a summer storm upon the shores of an island. It’s a kingdom built on a wild refuge. In the words of Caliban, its former king, “The isle is full of noises/Sounds, and sweet aires, that give delight and hurt not.” The giant sandcastle echoes both a royal court and a shipwreck and is anchored by the golden mean. This ratio is found in nature (shells, petals, leaves, galaxies, and more) and has been celebrated by man, such as Phidias, Plato, and Euclid, for more than 2500 years. Replicated by sculptors, painters, and architects, as well as called “divine,” “perfect,” and “a precious jewel,” it’s in our scenery and everywhere around you. Our spirits flip an hourglass and we are back in a time when Prospero was still a duke, preferring his books to ruling. Flip back, and our story upon the island is compressed within rapidly moving TIME, one of Shakespeare’s favorite words. The play rages at breakneck speed following the backstory: a father loses his son and finds him; a girl finds love and a father loses his daughter. Trinculo, our jester, plays with Stephano to entrap (in a game) Caliban, as he envisions regaining his dukedom (or perhaps only freedom).

Our cast of characters, and audience, realize we are capable, both as individuals and as an ensemble, of our finest hour. What does our finest hour entail Maybe a confluence of…humanity, kindness and generosity of spirit, forgiveness, perspective, vision, math, science, and poetry. With Ariels at the wind and sails, our cast sails out to sea, back to Milan and/or to freedom. They say goodnight, they are set free from troubles. Conversely, Prospero asks you to find inclusion and conversation. Thanks to…Jeff, Nate, Rick, Claudia, Peter, Ben, Julie, Jake, Matt J… for the “yes, ands”…so much pleasure from our work this spring and summer. As always, to my babies, Thomas and Viola, you are my world.
With love,
Emily.

Actor Bios

Dr. David Richman:
David acted King Lear with Shakesperience in 2014. Most recently he has directed The Crucible and acted Oedipus at Colonus at the University of New Hampshire, where he is professor of Theatre and Humanities. In the fall, he will direct the world premier of a play about the Bosnian genocide.

Carolyn Becker:
Carolyn is thrilled to be making her Shakesperience debut! Favorite credits include Biscuit and Jigsaw Jones (ArtsPower National Touring Theatre), Henry IV (Smith Street Stage), and Mary V (Theater for the New City). BFA: NYU Tisch. Thanks to her family and friends for their love and support.

Joshua Salvador:
Joshua (Caliban) is thrilled to be making his Shakesperience debut! Off-Broadway: Julius Caesar (The Public Theater/N.Y.S.F.). Select Regional: Disgraced (Broadway World Award), The Whipping Man, Savage in Limbo, The Secret Garden. Film: A Garden of Thorns, Oceans 8. Special thanks to Emily Mattina, everyone at Shakesperience, family, friends, and teachers! Training: Montclair State University www.joshua- salvador.com @joshuadsalvador

Matthew Johnson:
Matthew (Trinculo) – Recent regional credits include James and the Giant Peach (Ladahlord) and West Side Story (Gladhand) with Summer Theatre of New Canaan, and Romeo and Juliet: In Verse and Song (Tybalt) with Opera Theatre of Connecticut. He has been certified as a voice teacher through New York Vocal Coaching. Thank you to cast and crew!

Matthew Stein:
Matt is excited to be returning to Shakesperience this summer. Originally from the town of Mahopac, NY, Matt received a B.A. in Theatre with a concentration in Performance Studies from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA and then went on to study at The William Esper Studio acting conservatory in New York City. Since then, he has worked with several theaters in the tri-state area. Previous credits include: A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe (Shakesperience) The Merry Wives of Windsor and Pericles (Valley Shakespeare Festival).

Pat Donahue:

Pat has appeared in several Shakesperience productions, such as A Christmas Carol, King Lear, and Radium Girls. He has previously worked as the Stage Manager for the 2015-2016 season and as a resident artist in 2016. Shakesperience is excited to have him return for The Tempest.

Kevin Terwin:
Kevin is a South African born actor based in New York. Training: Stella Adler Studio NYC, London School of Dramatic Art. Past credits include: Jed in Fifth of July, Demetrius in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Phaeton in Phaeton, an original play by Michael Milligan. Kevin is excited to be making his Shakesperience debut this summer. Website: kevinterwin.com

Bryan Baker:
Bryan is a high school science teacher at Waterbury Arts Magnet School. Bryan previously performed with Shakesperience in “All in the Timing”, and “Radium Girls”, as well as Shakespeare in Library Park productions of “Twelfth Night”, “Henry V”, “Midsummer Night’s Dream”, “Richard III”, and “Much Ado About Nothing”. Bryan lives in Waterbury with his wife Kerri, and his children Drew and Maggie.

Nathanial W.C. Higgins:
Nate (Sebastian/Lighting Designer) is very happy to continue working with Shakesperience and on The Tempest in particular. He has worked as a Resident Artist for the past two years, appearing in shows such as The Holiday Gift of Peace; The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; Gulliver’s Travels; and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He has also worked as a lighting designer for productions of The Holiday Gift of Peace and The Two Gentlemen of Verona. He received his BFA in Theatre Performance, with a Minor in Design/Technology from Niagara University.

Teresa Moran:
Teresa has reimagined her retirement through Shakesperience. Since graduating from Albert Magnus College with a degree in Drama, she has appeared in dozens of community plays. Teresa has been partnering in different capacities with Shakesperience since 2007, currently as the interim education supervisor and dramaturge. Teresa thanks Emily Mattina and Shakesperience for these wonderful opportunities.

Christian Janis:

Christian Janis is a rising sophomore at Western Connecticut State University studying music education focused in jazz and vocals. He recently performed in a production of “The Gondoliers.”

Laura Herscovici:
Laura is a sophomore at Miss Porter’s School. This is her third production with Shakesperience. Previous credits include A Comedy of Errors (Clock chorus and courtier), Two Gentlemen of Verona (Little Bo Peep and outlaw), Arcadia (Septimus Hodge), Arsenic and Old Lace (Abby Brewster), Beauty and the Beast (Belle), and The Wizard of Oz (Dorothy).

Kathleen Green:
Kathleen (Ariel) Is thrilled to return to Shakesperience, previously in Two Gentlemen of Verona and The Comedy of Errors. Other performances include New York (Community Theatre at Woodbury); Mary Poppins (Thomaston Opera House); Naugatuck Teen Theatre; Seven Angels Theatre; and at Chase Collegiate School, A Shayna Maidel,Cinderella, and Arsenic and Old Lace. She thanks her family; her director, Emily Mattina; theater coach, Carol Ziske; acting coach, Geoffrey Cantor; and voice teacher, Marissa Famiglietti Apland.

Viola “Lucy” Lapham:

Viola is as indomitable as the Shakespeare character after whom she is named. She’s an advanced student (grade 3 at Rotella Magnet School), a fierce runner (recently placed second in her age group in an 8K road race), a voracious reader (steals her mother’s Shakespeare books to peruse), and was born to the stage (decided on her stage name at age 2.) “Lucy’s” thrilled to join this great cast in her second summer main stage production.

So much more than a show!
Shakespeare on the Shoreline is one of the many programs through which Shoreline Arts Alliance promotes local, national and international artists in their chosen fields for the benefit of all in the community to enjoy. From Shakesperian actors, to vibrant creative writers and illustrators, to photographers, sculptors, singers, dancers, and instrumentalists, Shoreline Arts Alliance celebrates the “gift of the artist.” We have just celebrated 36 years and we continue to grow the business. In the past year we leveraged nearly $650,000.00 in awards and scholarships for artists on the shoreline; continued to build bridges to new roads of economic prosperity through tourism and collaborations; engaged in new ventures and collaborative programming; expanded our effort to create a regional cultural center on the Shoreline; streamlined tactical functions; and changed the lives of people of all ages. As we continue to hone our mission, goals, and strategic development, your generosity and commitment solidifies the importance of our role as cultural leaders. Much of the funding for the Shakespeare on the Shoreline program comes from private philanthropy. Please think about what an evening out with your family would cost as you consider making a contribution tonight at the Shoreline Arts Alliance tent or to one of our volunteers during intermission. Consider joining the team of regional and local businesses, foundations, granting organizations and advertisers who are dedicated to the community. Your generosity and commitment are truly appreciated.

Please support and patronize the sponsors and advertisers in this playbill. They truly believe in this project and in giving back to the community. All of what we do is possible because of the many gifted and talented artists we promote (some of whom you will see tonight); our funding partners and advertisers; the many volunteers who provide tireless hours of support to orchestrate our programs and services and you, the audience, who with the artist create a dynamic relationship that makes it all ‘come alive.’